Bandcamp Picks from the Spanish Underground
As the world continues to reel from the effects of Covid-19 its great to see Bandcamp doing their part as they get ready for the first of another 3 days where they will be waiving their revenue share in an attempt to support independent artists all over the world. The Last day was such a roaring success it saw the site experience serious lag as users rushed to support their favourite artists.
One Great aspect of this has been the way people have been actively looking to broaden their musical horizons. So we spoke to a handful of Spains top Underground Selectors to see what they think you should have in your basket this Friday and why they think Bandcamp is such a great resource!
Anti Drone Squad
You can dig music from a lot of places nowadays, the classic vinyls, tapes, and bootlegs in the physical sense and of course from the digital world, which is the biggest side right now. It is known that bandcamp offers the most control for independent artists - and this is the era of the artistry independence. I think it's important we take consciousness on the digital side of everything we do. There's plenty of portals where to get music from - soundcloud, beatport, the oldie but goldie soulseek... Of course, in the core of all these tools, the "sharing is caring" motto resides, but if we care about how we share, it's going to be much better for all those music makers we love out there. Also, it's full of sick music and a lot of good material that it's mind boggling.
Uknown Mobile - Daucile Moon
This is Levi's most meditative release to date, and it's a pretty interesting sum to his whole library: the guy is a very skilled producer and covers a lot of spectrums and sounds, can be pretty aggressive or in the case of Daucile Moon, very soothing. Super talented guy that deserves more attention. He's a very nice guy, we had the chance to meet him here in Barcelona. He's also very crazy passionate about wines and he got to show us some good bottles in a cellar here, was crazy fun.
Link: https://pacificrhythm.bandcamp.com/album/daucile-moon
(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ - Defled
Very interesting release by Pere, a friend from our island, Mallorca. We really recommend taking a listen to his whole craft, he should be under the eye of more people out there, in our opinion. A lot of good, modern ambient coming out from him.
Link: https://defled.bandcamp.com/album/--2
Harvey Touch - Archipiélago
Javi was one of the guys who helped us a lot when we got here to Barcelona, he made us feel very welcomed. Soothing, sweet and nice housey music to chill to we got here, overall we think is a very complete debut album, and very promising. Looking forward to listen to more stuff by him.
Link: http://harveytouch.bandcamp.com/album/archipi-lago
and departt from mono games - AYA
Time for some crazy stuff! This guy sounds amazing, very creative. The sound design is amazing and overall the speech is very rounded. This is the kind of release that leaves you wanting more and wondering "where has this guy come out from?". Totally recommended.
Link: https://aya-yco.bandcamp.com/album/and-departt-from-mono-games
BadderDenDem
Bandcamp exists as a great source to discover new music. It's always worth it to select some of your favorites labels and follow them to get new releases & info - I would say it's the only thing i'm subscribed to as It's a good way to discover new music and at the same time support independent music. Normally I explore bass music driven labels such as Rarefied, Albion Collective, White Peach, Zam Zam Sounds and Moonshine Recordings. All of them have a good curated selection and consistently keep upload surprising stuff.
Kromestar & N-type - Nu Era Dub / Mutants [Wheel & Deal] This one is a recent release waited for long. 'Nu Era Dub' is a 140 take to an old DnB tune 'P-Funk Era' by Pascal. Second track 'Mutants' is a jazzy jungle track version. Both tracks sound reaaally smooth.
Link: https://wheelanddealrecords.bandcamp.com/album/nu-era-dub-mutants
LAS - Tigersleep / Wounded [Subroot Records]
When i first heard Tigersleep took me back to early dubstep days and felt so advanced at the same time. Hunting and home listening kind of stuff. Now I realized it was produced in 2010 and just released after ten years. Might be a very personal recommendation this one :)
Link: https://loveandsound.bandcamp.com/album/tigersleep-wounded
Glume & Phossa - Silkworm EP New EP by two of my favorites dubstep producers. Loving the grime take of their productions!
Link: https://glumephossa.bandcamp.com/album/silkworm-ep
MUHLA - Portland [SZNS7N] A leftfield bass track by Bristol producer Muhla. Don't know how i stopped into this one but I recommended it many times.
Link: https://szns7n.bandcamp.com/track/portland
LSDXOXO - Body Mods [self released]
This whole mixtape is a dancefloor killer. This New York producer explores a large palette of sounds including lots of samples and hardcore breaks, mixing genres such as footwork, UK funky and Caribbean music between many others. I believe it can bring an unexpected sound to any set. 'Burn the Witch' track is really worth checking.
Link: https://lsdxoxo.bandcamp.com/album/body-mods
D.N.S.
I've only really started using Bandcamp in the last year and it's already saved me after losing all my music files when my bag got stolen at the beginning of the year (do not mention the word 'backup'). I like the fact you can opt in to receive info on new releases, products and nice messages from labels without getting dragged into the usual algorithmic nonsense. The editorial part of the site is well rounded and it's great to directly support friends pushing their own projects. Here are my top 5 right now:
Null+Void - great label and new garms out this week well worth checking out
Link: https://nullandvoidrecordings.bandcamp.com
Tectonic - without a doubt has shaped the sound of my DJ bag for the last ten years
Link: https://tectonicrecordings.bandcamp.com/ Ilian Tape - my go to techno
Link: https://iliantape.bandcamp.com/
Interplanetary Criminal - nice fresh take on a 2-step / techno crossover vibe
Link: https://interplanetarycriminal.bandcamp.com
FTP - Bootlegs Vol. 2 is on repeat at the moment
Link: https://ftp4u.bandcamp.com/album/ftp-bootlegs-vol-2-3
Gerard Sun
Bandcamp is the new place to get lost in musical waves. For me I can do what I used to do few years ago more intensively, getting lost in an immersive jungle of music from all around the globe and find tracks that I may never have discovered on discogs. Nowadays, it’s the place most similar to a physical record store where you like to spend time listening, trying to find the best track or record; that one that will make your DJ sets more personal and melt the dance floor.
Although I can find bangers, I use Bandcamp as a huge library for my very passionate ambient side. I love to mix non necessary rhythmic stuff with techno or bass music for instance. Textures, drones and epic sounds are in my personal palette when I prepare my monthly radio show at Dublab Barcelona and mostly with the results of founds at Bandcamp. It is definetly a great tool where you can find, with no strict algorithms, new artists in the same search results as well as known names. The simplicity of the interface makes the experience easy and you have the main information on the same screen. What’s will be the next step from Bandcamp? Hope they are working hard to keep up the good work. In no particular order, here are my top 5:
Other People : https://otherpeople.bandcamp.com/
Om Unit :https://omunit.bandcamp.com/
Sarathy Korwar: https://sarathykorwar.bandcamp.com/
Matthew Bourne : https://matthewbourne.bandcamp.com/
R&S Records : https://randsrecords.bandcamp.com/
Ikram Bouloum
I’m that kind of person that buys more digital than physical stuff so I use Bandcamp as my digital library of music. It’s one of favorite playgrounds. When I’m preparing my djsets, the first thing that I do is use bandcamp to search new tracks, artist, labels or compilations.
This is my top 5 of artists, also some of my last adquisitons from bandcamp :)
Fatigado from Golden Mist Records
Link: https://goldenmistrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tou-fixe
Dj Plead - Massari for Relief
Link: https://djplead.bandcamp.com/album/massari-for-relief
Maral from Astral Palne Recordings
Link: https://astralplanerecordings.bandcamp.com/album/mahur-club
Leila Samir - No Music EP
Link: https://leilasamir.bandcamp.com/album/no-music-ep
Mans O - Dos Orejas
Link: https://mansomusic.bandcamp.com/album/dos-orejas-mixtape
Kodama
Bandcamp as a platform works great. Very easy to use both as an artist and a fan. It works very conveniently to sell music both digitally and physically. I also like how you can download the music you’ve bought in different formats
Rarefied EPs
Starting off with these two Rarefied EPs. I’m very proud to have signed to them. They are always putting out the most unique and interesting music. Make sure you check out both of these EPs, as they are really special. ‘No One’s Out Of Time’ EP involves a lot of talented artists and memorable music which I highly recommend, featuring my track ‘New Feeling’. ‘The sun also rises’ EP is a selection of unreleased Rarefied dubs which involve some really cool link ups of artists. Both of these can be bought from the Rarefied Bandcamp page: Link: https://rarefied.bandcamp.com/music
IYH - Faint EP
This one is the first release from a new project started by The Greys, which really hits emotionally. This EP blew me away when I first listened to it and would advise everyone to buy it. Melodic garage vibes and smooth hip-hop. Faint is a soon to be classic. Link: https://inyourheadmusic.bandcamp.com/releases
Mungk - MUNGKDUBS001
This next EP is by Mungk entitled MUNGKDUBS001. Very exciting producer with an impressive out put of quality music. A lot of different interesting sounds from the man. Link: https://mungkdubs.bandcamp.com/album/mungkdubs001
Taiko – Honey/Cahoots
Man like Taiko always comes up with very unique productions, which is reflected in both of these tracks with Honeys funky touch and Cahoots’ melodic synthy vibe. Strongly recommend buying this one. Link: https://taikouk.bandcamp.com/album/honey-cahoots
Zygos - Pusher/Shade
Had the pleasure of mastering this one for Zygos. True carefully created and hard-hitting sound system music in both productions by the man and he never disappoints. Link: https://zygosmusic.bandcamp.com/album/pusher-ep
Manul & Energy Man
Bandcamp is one of the most artist focused platforms , where you feel that there is no intermediary between your music and audience, due to the crucial advantage of being able to take control when to change prices, sell goods or to ship at any time. Because of this global crisis we are experiencing, we believe it can be a great alternative to the major labels, which are used to taking a big piece of the pie in record sales / streaming revenue of its Artists. Which unfortunately, musicians can not afford anymore because they have been reduced to zero direct events, which is where they could make a most of their income. Despite the wide variety of musicians in Spain, we have chosen the following artists for the versatility and quality of everything they do. They are excellent references for us and for the national public scene, the musical, which always ends unfortunately underestimated.
Bandcamp es una de las plataforma más cercana al artista, donde siente que no hay intermediario entre su música y sus oyentes, una ventaja crucial para tener el control a la hora de modificar precios, vender mercancías o hacer envíos en cualquier momento. Y a causa de esta crisis global que estamos sufriendo, creemos que puede ser una gran alternativa a las grandes discográficas, las cuales están acostumbradas a llevarse un gran pedazo del pastel en la venta de discos/streamings de sus artistas. Desgraciadamente, los músicos ya no pueden permitírselo más, ya que han visto reducido a cero los eventos en directos, que es donde podían lucrarse mayormente.A pesar de la gran variedad de músicos en España, hemos elegido a los siguientes artistas por la versatilidad y calidad de todo lo que hacen. Ellos son excelentes referencias para nosotros y para el público nacional en una escena,la musical, la cual siempre acaba desafortunadamente subestimada.
BSN POSSE: Footwork with malagueño Accent Much has changed since Sergio Ruiz (aka Stay Puft) and Enrique Gervilla (aka Broken Lip) came to be known as BackStreetNoise to christen his new project in 2011 as BSN Posse. They are synonymous with soul, funk and hip hop, which have been introduced in their own way in their productions, first Dubstep, Garage and ending at the Juke / Footwork. An unusual mix in these parts, which has served to define their own jobs and the first two years of life of their label, Iberian Juke. The malagueños have represented at several editions of Sónar in Barcelona.
Review: Versatile, Creative and a Benchmark
Footwork con acento malagueño, Mucho han cambiado las cosas desde que Sergio Ruiz (aka Stay Puft) y Enrique Gervilla (aka Broken Lip) pasaron de ser conocidos como BackStreetNoise a bautizar su nuevo proyecto en 2011 como BSN Posse. Ellos son sinónimo de soul, funk y hip hop, el cual han ido introduciendo alternativente en sus producciones, primeramente el dubstep, garage y terminando en el juke/footwork. Una mezcla poco habitual por estos lares, que ha servido para definir sus propios trabajos y los dos primeros años de vida de su escudería, Iberian Juke. Los malagueños han pasado por varias ediciones del sónar en Barcelona.
Opinión: versátil, creativo y referente.
Link: https://iberianjuke.bandcamp.com
PABLO DREAD: At the Malagueño prides himself in using a multitrack table used as an instrument using its analog effects to couple his pinpoint rhythm with the thrill of the unexpected. Much like Wizards of Reggae King Tubby or Lee Perry. It’s impossible to overlook his appearance at the legendary festival International Dub Gathering where he was able to meet and share words with the great Mad Professor. Despite his close relationship with the Dub & Reggae, do not forget that the versatility of this Andalusian artist allow him to branch out all the way into pure Electronic territory , touching on Bass music: producing to the same standard as his fellow crew BSN Posse to make Juke and Dubstep.
Review: passion, perfection and love for DUB / REGGAE
Al malagueño se precia de usar una mesa multipistas como instrumento y emplea efectos analógicos, como los magos del reggae King Tubby o Lee Perry, para impregnar su milimétrica rítmica de la emoción de lo imprevisible. No podemos pasar por alto su aparición en el mítico festival International Dub Gathering donde pudo conocer y compartir palabras con el gran Mad Professor.A pesar de su cercana relación con el dub/reggae, no olvidemos que la versatilidad de este artista andaluz le hacen despegarse, de vez en cuando, hasta la electrónica más pura, acariciando la bass music: produciendo, al igual que sus compañeros BSN Posse, el juke o el dubstep.
Opinión: Pasión, perfección y amor por DUB / REGGAE
Link : https://music.beatmachinerecords.com/album/bmr019-burnin
Mark Dix (Radio Primavera Sound)
I love the platform as tracks are usually published in full and available for purchase immediately. Almost all the underground electronic music that I'm into is on there, plus you can get physical copies and merch too. Visca Bandcamp!
My favourite five artists on the platform:
RRUCCULLA
Bilbao drummer, producer and designer whose music was first independently published on Bandcamp before getting noticed by Pitchfork and eventually published by Dabadaba's label, Elsa. She recently brought out a beatless album, Rincones Seguros, which is perfect to accompany a quarantine.
Link: https://rrucculla.bandcamp.com/
VOIRON
A new discovery for me. Paris based DJ and producer whose music manages to be playful and bangs at the same time. Plenty of references to UK IDM and breakbeat, presented with a lil French elegance. All the tunes have his name in the titles which I dig.
Link: https://voironmarket.bandcamp.com/
HYPHEN A homie from Barcelona who I met through Soundcloud and have kept in touch with since. He released his debut album, Psiconáutica, last year, and is a euphoric combination of weirdo trance, IDM and jungle. Graphics are wonderful too.
Link: https://akahyphen.bandcamp.com/
SHYGIRL Absolutely massive tracks, produced by Sega Bodega providing an incredible contrast with the nonchalant vocal performance of Shygirl. Head to the Cruel Practice EP to see what I'm talking about.
Link: https://0800shygirl.bandcamp.com/
PHRAN Full disclosure, Phran is one of my best pals but I have to include him in this list for the amount of projects he's involved in, most of which feature on his Bandcamp page. He put out an album of unreleased material recently which sums his tough electro sound up pretty well.
Link: https://phran.bandcamp.com/
Misbah
I've been using Bandcamp to empty my wallet since 2013 and I don't think I would ever want it to be another way. When it comes down to it, the service presents to the music community with the most tactile way to release your music and support yourself whilst still retaining almost all control. You only have to look at the number of artists that are able to pay their bills and sustain themselves purely from their Bandcamp profits to see that the site is clearly a public good. This is Not a Drill 2 - Big Nate Hailing from London, Big Nate is one of the voices from a new wave of of artists charting their own path within the music industry. This is Not a Drill 2 is one of those EP's where where every track slaps and if clubs / radio were open , this would be getting some serious support from me. Very much so looking forward to see what the future has to bring.
Link: http://bignate237.bandcamp.com/album/this-is-not-a-drill-2 Rural - Jakebob Jakebob is a staple in the Grime scene and a serious triple threat as a Producer , DJ & MC. When I first heard Rural I couldn't stop smiling as you can really tell that this is a statement of intent, every track is produced and Vocalled by Jakebob an is a real Journey through his influences with the style differing from Track to Track.
Link: https://jakebob.bandcamp.com/album/rural Self Care Volume 001 - Grace Every time I go to put together a set at the moment I find my self drawing for at least one tune from Grace. So to see he has now launched his own label is a great look. Self Care 001 showcases the R&G afficionados capacity to highlight the softer underbelly of Grime productions.
Link: http://selfcaresoundz.bandcamp.com/album/self-care-volume-001 Mmhmm / Swerv / Blitz - Wen It seems like a lifetime ago since Wen burst onto the scene. This release on south London specialist imprint GD4YA shows that his progression has not slowed. Featuring three 'trancey' 2 step Bubblers this EP hasn't really left my crate since I got it. It's a must buy for any Garage head fullstop.
Link: https://gd4ya.bandcamp.com/album/mmhmm-swerv-blitz For the NHS - Various Artists (Hundred Flower Records) Got to shout out the old Leeds crew Representing on this one. Feauring tracks by O'Flynn , Spooky-J , Ekhe & PQ this release is crazy and whats better for a good cause! All proceeds go to support Doctors and Nurses on the frontlines in the UK.
Link: http://hundredflowersrecords.bandcamp.com/album/for-the-nhs
Xyla - Mina & Champion
Cant forget Big Homie Mina! She has been running her own label Earth Kicks for a year now after consistently bangers which are enjoyed all over the world, and to see her do a collaborative EP with Champion is so great!
Link: https://earth-kicks.bandcamp.com/album/xyla
Le Ranso
If Bandcamp would be a person, he would be this quiet and shy guy always hanging out with the cool kids in the playground. He would not scream for attention very often, but if you would ask him anything about music he would always be able to reference a mental map about the countless genres and ideas that are constantly sprouting in the musical universe. That is why if you are in need of food for your ears you will always have to ask Mr. Bandcamp.
Here you can hear some of the local records that I have discovered and enjoyed during this confined times:
Nora Hayden & Baptized Lessix - HEAVEN-SENT
Two youngsters from Madrid. I don’t know much about them besides the fact that the producer is actually baptized. A trap tale that can seamlessly bring you from a pink fantasy to your darkest nightmare at any moment of the record. It seems loose and bumpy, but the intentionality behind some production choices matches perfectly with the naive and fragile tone of the vocal.
Favorite Track: INDUSTRIAL
Link: https://baptized.bandcamp.com/album/heaven-sent
Grim Death - You Can't Overcome Suffering If You Refuse To Look At It
Just by reading the name of the band you can start picturing what this sounds like. Having released seven references since the beginning of 2020 Grim Death has established an aggressive and unapologetic tone of voice that allows them to draw apocalyptic environments and dark fantasies. Saturation, Limiters and Overdrives always accompanied by the forever comfortable 808s and hi hats lay the perfect foundation for some screams at a microphone that by now might be probably broken.
Favorite Track: Divine Wind
Link: https://grimdeath.bandcamp.com/album/you-cant-overcome-suffering-if-you-refuse-to-look-at-it
Mans O - DOS OREJAS MIXTAPE
Soul brother and favorite Barcelona producer. After a long time experimenting and expanding his scope in his studio, he has released a pack of bangers that will make you inevitably bounce your head while internalizing mantras that slip in under broken and hard percussions. Filled with details that give consistency to the piece throughout the more than 20 minutes of rhythmical tourism.
Favorite Track: THE NOW AGE
Link: https://mansomusic.bandcamp.com/album/dos-orejas-mixtape
Myoboku - Myoboku
From the brains of the bassist Oscar Garrobé joined by the piano player Marina Herlop, a band recorded this masterpiece during 2019 under their careful instructions. A masterclass on intertwining melody and rhythm in a journey where every step feels unique and uncovers new hints that bring you to the end of the EP. It is short but very solid. Definitely a must listen if you love the color palette of acts like Tennyson or Hiatus Kaiyote. /
Favorite Track: wtf cafè +
Link: https://myoboku.bandcamp.com/releases
manul and energy man
Rumbler
For around a decade, Bandcamp has been one of my main tools for searching new music. It is a common place where artists, DJs and listeners have a huge catalogue of independent music, no matter if they like field recording ambient cassettes or cheesy edits and mp3 bootlegs. Since I started managing a label (Iberian Juke) and getting into all the features you can use for free to promote your music, I felt it is the best option to go to release music, if you’re an independent artist or label. I think they have been true to their essence, focusing on artists first and creating a sustainable business that helps to keep going, maintaining a unique way for artists to earn a bigger profit from their work.
beGun - Agora
It’s nice to see that some artists are taking this quarantine to experiment and take some risks, releasing different music and stuff that may have not been ever released without all this Corona thing. Here’s an album of himself just playing piano. Relax and enjoy :)
Track: Nou
Link: https://begun.bandcamp.com/album/agora
Pépe - H0RT4 3DITS VOL. II
I love Pépe’s sound, his mix of funky and poppy melodies with electro and rave sounds like no one else in this country. For me he’s on top 5 electronic music producers in the country right now. This edits are fire, like the ones from Vol. I, great tools for all your streaming sets!
Fav Track: N3V3R C4LL M3
Link: https://pepmanpepe.bandcamp.com/album/h0rt4-3d1ts-vol-ii
S Curro, Manul & Energyman - It’s an Andalusian ting
Breaking Bass has a really good taste when it comes to mix bass music with Spanish folklore. The combo that S Curro makes with Manul & Energy Man is powerful and fun, making their releases unique. Pure Andalusian grime!
Fav Track: Semana Santa breakbeat ft. Highkili
Link: https://breakingbassrecords.bandcamp.com/album/it-s-an-andalusian-ting
DJ Bruce Lee - Beatz
Also myself I’ve took my time to explore a lot of music. I’ve been seeking for local record labels and artists I didn’t knew or stuff I didn’t took my time to appreciate enough. End Of Dayz is one of the labels I’ve been listening to for my mixtapes. They have some serious stuff from awesome Spanish producers. This last EP is by the boss itself, DJ Bruce Lee, a single + remixes by great artists like John Heaven or TR.
Fav Track: Beatz (TR Remix)
Link: https://endofdayzrecords.bandcamp.com/
Hidden Jayeem - Mainline
I don’t know why, there’s always some great artists that keep underrated for a very long time. This isn’t a recent release - even if it’s from late 2019 tho - but I wanted to include something from him in my picks, as I think he has a special sensitivity when it comes to make music that barely a few producers has in our country. Would love to hear some new hidden jayeem stuff this year.
Fav Track: Hard to find
Link: https://hiddenjayeem.bandcamp.com/album/mainline
